THE new Ford Mondeo has made its world debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

Ford of Europe's stylish new flagship model is being previewed in its estate bodystyle in near production specification, with its launch scheduled across Europe from the second quarter of 2007.

John Fleming, president and chief executive of Ford of Europe, said: "The new Mondeo is critical to the Ford of Europe business. The Ford Mondeo has always been a major player in its segment, and with over four million owners looking for us to deliver something special, we have every intention of meeting their significant expectations with this all-new model."

Ford aims to follow and build on the success of the new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy models launched earlier this year.

Mr Fleming said the 2007 Mondeo would deliver more comfort, more space, and more premium quality features, while remaining affordable.

It shares much of its architecture and technology with the S-MAX and Galaxy, as well as a production line. The New Mondeo completes a major investment that has modernised Ford's Genk plant in Belgium.

Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's design director, said: "The wagon bodystyle is very important in the CD segment so it is appropriate that we show this derivative in Paris first. The new Mondeo's wagon bodystyle really emphasizes the sporty, dynamic and premium appearance of the new range. Above all, we've managed to achieve this kinetic look without compromising luggage capacity. I believe new Mondeo will challenge everyone's perceptions of a big Ford car, and prove that we can once again deliver style with substance in a desirable form." Immediately evident in the new model's appearance is the distinctive front end, with its chamfered corners and the deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. The new family face of Ford is further represented at the front end by a large upper grille opening, and an inverted trapezoidal lower grille. A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear. This produces a dynamic window graphic when the so-called "daylight opening" (DLO) is viewed in profile, and an upward kick at the rear further emphasizes the feeling of motion.

A wide range of Ford engines will be offered, from 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine, to efficient 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.